Abstract
Since the presence of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the central nervous system of chickens was demonstrated in 1988, numerous studies have shown that NPY functions as a strong orexigenic factor in this species. Similar to mammals, central administration of NPY robustly stimulates ingestive behavior in chickens in a dose-dependent manner. NPY is one of the most abundant peptides in chicken brain. Fasting leads to increased NPY gene expression in this organ. Six receptor subtypes for NPY (Y1, Y2, Y4, Y5, Y6 and Y7) have been identified in chickens and their binding characteristics have been investigated. Although pharmacological studies prove that appetite stimulation by NPY in mammals is mediated by receptors Y1 and Y5, there are conflicting data between the receptor expressions and pharmacological effects in chickens. This review provides an overview of the orexigenic effect of NPY and interrelationship with appetite-related signals, and summarizes the role of the NPYergic system on feeding regulation in chickens.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Neuropeptide Y |
| Subtitle of host publication | Molecular Structure, Role in Food Intake and Direct/Indirect Effects |
| Publisher | Nova Science Publishers, Inc. |
| Pages | 1-24 |
| Number of pages | 24 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781626184213 |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 1 2013 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)